On Tue, 25 Jun 1996, Trevor Boicey wrote:
> What would I be looking at to perform this brutal modification? What
> structural problems would I have, or modifications would be required so
> that the car did not fold in half?
>
In no particular order, the things that come to mind include:
- Windshield; if you cut the top off, the remaining GT windshield
frame likely wont be able to prevent the windshield from cracking
or worse- popping out. Fitting the windshield from a roadster is
the obvious solution, however I doubt the GT has provisions for
proper mounting. Even if it does, the front wings will need to be
removed and slotted to accomodate the roadster's windshield pillars.
You'll also need to fabricate something on the underside of the
scuttle to secure the center stay rod; although this is trivial.
- Cockpit surround and vertical panel. You'll need to be creative
and fabricate something here. Also, the stamped vertical panel
behind the seats is a stressed member.
- Boot lid and rear quarter panel mods. Unlesss you are quite adept at
metal fabrication, your best bet is to probably section these on from
a roadster.
> The car is a very possible restoration, but for the work I'd be
> investing, having a convertible would be high on my list of wants.
>
Figure on acquiring a roadster as a parts mule and spending 100-200
hours (depending on your skill/ level) and $$$ to convert your GT to a
roadster.
How is the rest of the car? Does this GT have perfect floors and sills?
Assuming your GT has some flavor of floor/sill rot (folks here will
attest to the fact the most unrestored specimens do), you might want
to consider restoring the doner roadster and using your GT as the
parts car.
If you really want a roadster, why invest the time and $$$ to convert
your restorable GT to a restorable roadster, when you can just start off
with a roadster chassis and go from there?? You'll probably have to
buy one anyway to aquire the necessary parts, so just restoring *it*
seems like a logical choice.
Just my $.02 (and about what it's worth ;-)
--Scott
Scott Hower --> howersl@ttown.apci.com
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.
7201 Hamilton Blvd Trexlertown, PA
(610) 481-2646
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